Tuesday, January 16, 2018

“Palm Spring” by Castle Pines – A Song Review

“Palm Springs” is defined by diverse components that are skillfully performed and intelligently arranged. The vocals in the single by Castle Pines range from near whispers to band shouts, and include what sounds like children on a playground (2:47). Instrumentally, the track is a sequence of different attractive hooks, keeping the track “fresh” for its full four minutes. We recommend listening to “Palm Springs” on repeat and changing the focus each time. The bass drives the song during an early portion, and a crystalline guitar (similar to early The Byrds) carries the vocals during the near-whisper ending.

Castle Pines describes “Palm Springs” as “a straight forward and uplifting road trip jam about going on family trips in the 90's. Maintains a chill and poolside feeling while still having driving movement and direction with dynamics and guitar work.” Palm Springs, the city, is as diverse as “Palm Springs,” the song. It is considered a retirement area for many, but sits in Coachella Valley, the site of perhaps the most popular U.S. festival. Of interest in music-related history, in 1990 then-mayor Sonny Bono played a role in reducing Palm Springs’ popularity as a spring break destination.

“Palm Springs” has had its fans for months. It was on Castle Pines’ May 2017 album “Summer Blood,” and was initially released as a single well before the album. Castle Pines is re-promoting the track as a reboot after a health-imposed hiatus. The life of drummer Sterling Fairfield was a concern last year. He was hospitalized for a significant portion of 2017. After treatment and surgery, Sterling has grabbed his drumsticks again; and Castle Pines is working to release a seven-track album sometime in 2018.